Feed baby lions in South Africa, track elephants through the Namib Desert, identify dolphins off a remote Greek island and build nests for toucans in Belize. These are just some of the adventures available on a volunteer vacation. Have fun while doing good deeds.

On a caving adventure discover such subterranean secrets as “curtains” of crystals and vast underground chamber and thousands of years old stalactites and stalagmites. South Dakota’s Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park are two of the U.S.’s top caves.

Ecological adventures abound in Costa Rica. Enjoy hiking rainforests where parrots screech and monkeys chatter, viewing volcanic lakes and rafting rivers edged with thick bamboo stands and wild mango trees.

Watching one of the earth’s largest creatures burst from the water in front of you and plunge back into the deep is an experience you will remember forever. Two great places in Canada to go whale watching: Tadoussac, about two hours from Québec City, and also off Newfoundland to spot humpbacks.

The reef that wraps several of the Caribbean’s Turks and Caicos Islands offers rewarding snorkeling. We see trumpet, parrot, trigger fish and a school of blue tangs as we float above brain, purple fan, fire coral and large stag horn formations that nearly reach the surface.

Discover what it feels like to risk your life for freedom as a runaway slave. “Follow the North Star,” an immersion program at Conner Prairie, a living history museum outside of Indianapolis, IN, drops you into situations experienced by runaways traveling the Underground Railroad in the 1830s.

Spring skiing, known for mild temperatures and sunshine, is the best.Forget about face masks, frostbitten cheeks and eyelids freezing shut. The trees glisten and the runs are smooth, but not icy. With the bitter evening chill gone, you can enjoy the sleigh rides and even try a moonlit hike.

In Guatemala discover ancient Maya culture in the lowland jungles and experience a bustling, contemporary Maya market in Chichicastenango, in the highlands.

Panama´s easily accessible Soberania National Park, a 55,000 acre tropical rainforest 30 minutes from downtown Panama City, offers hiking trails, spectacular birding and great wildlife viewing.

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